Sharron McCarthy, VP of Wine Education at Banfi Vintners and Past President of the U.S. Society of Wine Educators, is affectionately known as “America’s First Lady of Wine Ed,” Sharron has played an instrumental role in introducing Americans from all walks of life to an appreciation for the fruit of the vine.

Over the past three decades, Sharron has shared her boundless knowledge and enthusiasm for the joy of wine with wine clubs, consumer groups, law firms, Fortune 500 companies, hospitality students, floor staff at wine shops and restaurants, and radio and TV audiences.

The heart of her success is a refreshingly unpretentious, progressive approach, firmly aimed at demystifying wine.

Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Sharron McCarthy’s wine business career began in 1978 when she Banfi Vintners, one of America’s premier names in imported fine wines.
In 1986, she formed her own consulting agency in partnership with the Italian Trade Commission to advance the wines of Italy. Sharron subsequently returned to Banfi in the mid-1990s as Executive Director for Riunite wines, at the time America’s most popular imported wine. Sharron went on to pursue a new and pioneering role focused exclusively on wine education.

Sharron served a three-year term as president of the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) from 2007-2010. She was elected Director Emeritus of SWE in 2012.

In February 2015, Sharron was inducted into the Wines of Italy Hall of Fame by the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Consul General of Italy for her service and promotion of Italian wines in the United States. She is a certified member of the Sommelier Society of America and served on their board of directors; has been honored by the American Wine Society, and a member of organizations including the New York Women’s Culinary Alliance, Women of the Vine and Spirits and Chaine de Rotisseurs.

Though a hectic travel schedule allows for little time for extra-curricular activities, she does enjoy cooking and entertaining with friends.